Events and Exhibits

Behind-the-Scene ToursEvery 2nd Tuesday of the month, April through October

Tours start at 10:00 am. Encouraged to ask questions, interested Park visitors can peek in the Roundhouse to watch the work being done during the Shop Tours. The historic Sierra No. 28 locomotive has been completely dis-assembled, corroded areas of the boiler have been replaced with new material, and the crew has been busy at work replacing over 400 staybolts. This marks a turning point in the project, as Railtown 1897 SHP staff will soon begin the re-assembly. When the staybolts have been completed, installation will begin with new tubes in the boiler. In addition to the Shop Tours, those interested can follow along on the repair progress on Railtown 1897 SHP’s blog at www.railtown1897.wordpress.com. Once repairs are completed, Sierra No. 28 is expected to return to service. The cost for the unique Shop Tours experience is included with Park admission. Railtown 1897 SHP admission costs are as follows: $5 for adults, $3 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. More information about the Shop Tours, Sierra No. 28 or Railtown 1897 SHP is available by calling 209-984-3953 or visiting www.railtown1897.org.

Excursion Train RidesWeekends April through October10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.Ride behind a historic steam or diesel locomotive on a train trip through California's scenic Gold Country! Your 6-mile, 45-minute round-trip train ride will take you past the water tower from "Petticoat Junction," and transport you from the backyards of Jamestown to the rugged hillsides of California's Mother Lode country.

Wildflower Train Rides

April 8, 9 & 15 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy a one-hour round trip with the naturalists and Interpretive Park Rangers from the nearby Bureau of Reclamation’s New Melones Visitor Center and learn about the wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada foothills! All train ride guests receive a checklist, wildflower booklet and a packet of wildflower seeds. Tickets available online soon!

Harvest Haunt ExpressWeekends in OctoberThe family-friendly Harvest Haunt Express celebrates the season with a "skeleton crew" and fun weekly themes.

Join us for a special one-hour haunted tour of the historic roundhouse at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Hear stories from the ghostly residents that still haunt the grounds and learn how they came to their grisly end.

Veteran's Day TrainsNovember 1111 a.m. & 1 p.m.Celebrate Veteran's Day with a train ride behind an ex-military diesel locomotive with crew members who are veterans. Veterans ride free.

Relive the magical journey of the Polar Express on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot-hot-hot chocolate and yummy cookies as you ride along with many of the story's characters. When you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf - Santa himself - will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, "the first gift of Christmas". Tickets go on sale October 12th, 2017.

For more information on any of the listed events, please call (209) 984-3953.